scholarly journals Assessment of the Stability of an Unlined Rectangular Tunnel with an Overload on the Ground Surface

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Zhibin Hang ◽  
Tugen Feng ◽  
Feng Yang

City tunnels are often constructed at shallow depths, and tunnel failure may be initiated by overloads resulting from surrounding buildings, structures, heavy-haul trailers, and other installations. Although several works have been reported on tunnel stability, stability numbers have mainly been obtained for cases with fully cohesive soils. Moreover, little information has been presented about the influence of overloads on the failure patterns for unlined rectangular tunnels. This paper uses upper-bound finite element methods to assess the stability of an unlined rectangular tunnel in cohesive-frictional soils with an overload acting on the ground surface. A complete set of dimensionless parameters covering the tunnel size and shallow tunnel depth and Mohr-Coulomb material parameters are determined to obtain the dimensionless overload. In addition, failure modes that are similar to slip line fields are acquired. A failure mechanism that may cause base heave is proposed in this paper to improve the accuracy of the results. These failure patterns are more complex for cases with larger dimensionless depth, larger internal friction angle, and smaller dimensionless unit weight. Compared with the rigid-block mechanisms from the upper-bound rigid-block analysis method, these computed failure mechanisms are better suited for rectangular tunnel stability analysis.

2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (8) ◽  
pp. 829-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Yamamoto ◽  
Andrei V. Lyamin ◽  
Daniel W. Wilson ◽  
Scott W. Sloan ◽  
Andrew J. Abbo

The stability of dual square tunnels in cohesive-frictional soils subjected to surcharge loading has been investigated theoretically and numerically assuming plane strain conditions. From the viewpoint of the efficient utilization of underground space for human activities, noncircular openings and tunnels should be preferred in the design stage. Despite the importance of this issue, previous research on the subject is very limited. At present, no generally accepted design or analysis method is available to evaluate the stability of multiple tunnels–openings in cohesive-frictional soils. In the design stage, it is important to consider the interaction effects of dual tunnels. Unlike the case of a single tunnel, the centre-to-centre distance appears as a new parameter that must be considered and plays a key role in tunnel stability. In this study, continuous loading is applied to the ground surface and a smooth interface condition is modelled. For a series of tunnel size-to-depth ratios and material properties, rigorous lower- and upper-bound solutions for the ultimate surcharge loading are obtained by applying finite element limit analysis techniques. For practical suitability, the results are presented in the form of dimensionless stability charts and a table with the actual tunnel stability numbers closely bracketed from above and below. As an additional verification of the solutions, upper-bound rigid-block mechanisms have been developed, and the predicted collapse loads from these mechanisms are compared with those from finite element limit analysis. Finally, a discussion is presented regarding the location of the critical tunnel spacing between dual square tunnels where interaction no longer occurs.


2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 1841-1854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kentaro Yamamoto ◽  
Andrei V. Lyamin ◽  
Daniel W. Wilson ◽  
Scott W. Sloan ◽  
Andrew J. Abbo

This paper focuses mainly on the stability of a square tunnel in cohesive–frictional soils subjected to surcharge loading. Large-size noncircular tunnels are quickly becoming a widespread building technology by virtue of the development of advanced tunneling machines. The stability of square tunnels in cohesive–frictional soils subjected to surcharge loading has been investigated theoretically and numerically, assuming plane strain conditions. Despite the importance of this problem, previous research on the subject is very limited. At present, no generally accepted design or analysis method is available to evaluate the stability of tunnels or openings in cohesive–frictional soils. In this study, a continuous loading is applied to the ground surface, and both smooth and rough interface conditions between the loading and soil are modelled. For a series of tunnel geometries and material properties, rigorous lower and upper bound solutions for the ultimate surcharge loading of the considered soil mass are obtained by applying recently developed numerical limit analysis techniques. The results obtained are presented in the form of dimensionless stability charts for practical convenience, with the actual surcharge loads being closely bracketed from above and below. As a handy practical means, upper bound rigid-block mechanisms for square tunnels have also been developed, and the obtained values of collapse loads were compared with the results from numerical limit analysis to verify the accuracy of both approaches. Finally, an expression that approximates the ultimate surcharge load of cohesive–frictional soils with the inclusion of shallow square tunnels has been devised for use by practicing engineers.


Author(s):  
Julian Bubel ◽  
Jürgen Grabe

Shallow foundation structures offer ecological benefits compared to pile foundations as less noise is emitted at sea floor level during construction process. On the other hand, shallow offshore foundations can rarely be placed on top of the sea floor. Weak soils usually need to be excavated to place the foundation structure on more stable ground and thus, anthropogenic submarine pits result. Steep but stable slopes of the pit meet both economic and ecologic aims as they minimise material movement and sediment disturbance. According to Terzaghi [1] the angle β between slope and the horizontal of the ground surface of cohesionless soil is at most equal to the critical state friction angle φc. However, it can be observed that natural submarine slopes of sandy soils are always much more shallow. Artificial (temporary) slopes do not appear and behave as natural submarine slopes, since the latter are already shaped by perpetual loads of waves, tide and mass movements. Physical simulations of different scales were presented at the OMAE 2011 [2] to analyse the stability of artificial submarine slopes of sandy soil in the North Sea. The laboratory tests focused on gravitational forces and impacts from the excavation processes. This paper presents additional numerical simulations of wave-induced bottom pressure on the suggested submarine foundation pits. Furthermore, in-situ tests will be performed in 2012 and 2013. Both dredging process and resulted foundation pits will be considerably surveyed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Jia ◽  
Shikai He ◽  
Na Li ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Kai Yao

Based on the horizontal slice method (HSM) and assuming a log spiral slip surface, a method to analyze the stability of a reinforced retaining wall under seismic loads was established in this study by calculating the tensile force of the reinforcement. A parametric study was conducted on the normalized tensile force of the reinforcement, and it was observed that the normalized tensile force tends to increase with acceleration of the seismic load and the height of the backfill. Moreover, it also increases with soil unit weight, while it decreases with increased friction angle of the backfill soil, and the influence of soil cohesion on the normalized tensile force is not significant. The HSM method is proved to be suitable for analyzing the tensile force of reinforcement in retaining walls under seismic loads.


2017 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 736-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng Yang ◽  
Xinlei Sun ◽  
Xiangcou Zheng ◽  
Junsheng Yang

The stabilities and associated collapse mechanisms of deep buried unlined elliptical tunnels in cohesive–frictional (c–[Formula: see text]) soils with the action of soil weight are investigated by the “upper-bound finite element method with rigid translatory moving elements” (UBFEM–RTME). The soil masses are assumed to obey the Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion and a nonassociated flow rule. Upper-bound stability coefficients (γcrD/c, where γcr is critical unit weight; D is tunnel height; c is cohesion) are deduced for different values of friction angles ([Formula: see text]), dilatancy coefficients (ψ/[Formula: see text], where ψ is dilation angle), and dimensionless spans (B/D, where B is span). The obtained collapse mechanisms do not extend to the ground surface and are primarily composed of a series of mutually movable rigid blocks. The γcrD/c values increase while the collapse zones decrease with an increasing [Formula: see text] and ψ/[Formula: see text] and a decreasing B/D.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Pingping Rao ◽  
Jian Wu ◽  
Zhihao Mo

To evaluate the stability of a slope subjected to pile driving in nonhomogeneous and anisotropic soils, an upper-bound limit analysis method is employed in this paper. A 3D rotational failure mechanism for soil slope is extended to account for different failure patterns (i.e., toe failure and base failure). In order to avoid missing the global minimum, an efficient optimization method is simultaneously employed to find the least upper bound to the factor of safety (FS). The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method is well demonstrated by comparing the results obtained from the proposed approach with the solutions from published literatures. The effects of key designing parameters are presented and discussed. The optimal pile location and the three-dimensional effect of the slope are discussed. In addition, these results highlight that the adverse effects of pile driving on slope stability should be highly concerned during the design of geotechnical infrastructures, rather than emphasizing the reinforcement effect of a pile only.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valérie Baumann ◽  
Costanza Bonadonna ◽  
Sabatino Cuomo ◽  
Mariagiovanna Moscariello ◽  
Sebastien Biasse ◽  
...  

Abstract. Lahars are a widespread phenomenon on Vulcano island (Italy), where many loose pyroclastic deposits provide a significant source of sediments. In this study we have estimated the volumes of tephra-fallout deposit that could be remobilized by rainfall-triggered lahars in association with two eruptive scenarios that have characterized the activity of La Fossa cone: a long-lasting Vulcanian cycle and a subplinian eruption. The spatial distribution and volume of tephra-fallout deposits that could potentially trigger lahars were analysed based on a combination of tephra-fallout probabilistic modelling (with TEPHRA2), slope stability modelling (with TRIGRS), field observations and geotechnical tests. Field characterization includes tephra-fallout primary deposits in the lahar initiation zones and lahar deposits both on the volcanic cone and in the ring plain. Model input data (hydraulic conductivity, friction angle, cohesion, total unit weight of the soil, saturated and residual water content) were obtained from both geotechnical tests and field measurements. In particular, hydraulic conductivity plays an important role on the stability of tephra-fallout deposits. Our parametric analysis has shown that the tephra-fallout critical thickness required to trigger a lahar for the considered rainfall event is between 20–25 cm for the Vulcanian scenario, and between 10–65 cm or


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-60
Author(s):  
Simon Heru Prassetyo ◽  
Ganda Marihot Simangunsong ◽  
Ridho Kresna Wattimena ◽  
Made Astawa Rai ◽  
Irwandy Arif ◽  
...  

This paper focuses on the stability analysis of the Nanjung Water Diversion Twin Tunnels using convergence measurement. The Nanjung Tunnel is horseshoe-shaped in cross-section, 10.2 m x 9.2 m in dimension, and 230 m in length. The location of the tunnel is in Curug Jompong, Margaasih Subdistrict, Bandung. Convergence monitoring was done for 144 days between February 18 and July 11, 2019. The results of the convergence measurement were recorded and plotted into the curves of convergence vs. day and convergence vs. distance from tunnel face. From these plots, the continuity of the convergence and the convergence rate in the tunnel roof and wall were then analyzed. The convergence rates from each tunnel were also compared to empirical values to determine the level of tunnel stability. In general, the trend of convergence rate shows that the Nanjung Tunnel is stable without any indication of instability. Although there was a spike in the convergence rate at several STA in the measured span, that spike was not replicated by the convergence rate in the other measured spans and it was not continuous. The stability of the Nanjung Tunnel is also confirmed from the critical strain analysis, in which most of the STA measured have strain magnitudes located below the critical strain line and are less than 1%.


Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2838
Author(s):  
Xiaoxing Zhang ◽  
Haoyuan Yi ◽  
Junjun Liu ◽  
Qi Li ◽  
Xin Luo

There has been a rising interest in compliant legged locomotion to improve the adaptability and energy efficiency of robots. However, few approaches can be generalized to soft ground due to the lack of consideration of the ground surface. When a robot locomotes on soft ground, the elastic robot legs and compressible ground surface are connected in series. The combined compliance of the leg and surface determines the natural dynamics of the whole system and affects the stability and efficiency of the robot. This paper proposes a bio-inspired leg compliance planning and implementation method with consideration of the ground surface. The ground stiffness is estimated based on analysis of ground reaction forces in the frequency domain, and the leg compliance is actively regulated during locomotion, adapting them to achieve harmonic oscillation. The leg compliance is planned on the condition of resonant movement which agrees with natural dynamics and facilitates rhythmicity and efficiency. The proposed method has been implemented on a hydraulic quadruped robot. The simulations and experimental results verified the effectiveness of our method.


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